A public library dedicated to youth opened its door in Yantian District amidst an event on the afternoon of Aug. 12.

During the activity, Wang Jingsheng, winner of the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy and a specialist from the National Cultural Art Think Tank, and Yin Changlong, an expert member of the Shenzhen Decision Advisory Committee, were invited to engage in discussions centered around the themes of reading and civilization, according to a Shenzhen Special Zone Daily report.

Yantian International Youth Library, upgraded and built based on the Shatoujiao branch of Yantian District Library, is the first public library in the country devoted solely to providing specialized services for the youth, according to the report.

Prior to this, the youth services provided by public libraries primarily target minors.

The library focuses on serving young readers aged 13 to 24 and is equipped with facilities based on the youth’s core needs to help them improve their reading abilities, form an international vision and achieve comprehensive growth in literacy.

The library has set up thematic bookshelves and special reading zones, providing young people with a wide range of literary and digital reading materials.

In terms of spatial layout, the library innovatively employs a decibel-based zoning management system to accommodate various reading and learning scenarios.

The library’s third floor is designed for youth aged 13 and above, with different functional areas such as study rooms and immersive reading areas. The fourth floor caters to children under 12, offering spaces for reading.

The library has also created a youth activity brand, aiming to regularly organize activities such as themed book exhibitions and lectures.

The library has received support from companies including Shanghai RFID Intelligence Digital Technology Corp. Ltd., a leading domestic high-tech enterprise dedicated to harnessing RFID technology’s potential in realms of books, culture and education, the Daily report said.

District officials said they will work with diverse social groups to promote reading among young people.